Perfect Fit Jeans

Perfect fit jeans are kind of like magic. They can lift your butt, slim your legs, and trim your waist. For me, they also have to be comfortable. There is nothing worse than feeling as if you are being asphyxiated by your pants. When you wear your perfect fit jeans, you feel confident, beautiful and strong.

As a girl who was born and bred in the mid-west, jeans are part of my DNA. I can still remember my first pair. They were a faded, soft blue flare cut with a calico fabric turkey on one leg and a sailcloth white foot on the other. And they were beyond cool.  I loved them to death. Quite literally. Once we moved to Lake Forest, it was all about the straight leg Levis. They came in one color — raw denim — that you wore in over the years. Every hole was like a badge of honor. Even today, I have hard time buying jeans with pre-made holes. It feels like cheating.

It used to be that only one fit or jean style was “en vogue” at a time, but that’s no longer the case. Today, you can find straight leg, bootcut, flare — whatever you want. All of this choice is fabulous, but it can also be a little overwhelming. So, I’m going to make it easy for you. Because really, isn’t that what best friends do?

The following is a list of perfect fit jeans broken down by style. I have worn every pair (except for the Rag + Bone, but I own something similar) so, I know that they look good on me — nice size butt, shapely legs but with a definite thigh and slightly overabundant stomach. But I have also seen friends and colleagues with very different body types wearing these perfect fit jeans. Which means, these babies look good on every body.

Skinny

In general, a skinny or toothpick style jean isn’t my best look. I used to always feel like a sausage in a casing. But then I discovered Frame Le High Skinny jeans.  Seriously flattering.

I also love J.Crew’s toothpick jeans because they come in a wide array of fantastic colors. Always a fun option. One of my tricks for making skinny jeans more flattering is to wear them cropped. I find that being able to see a little skin around the ankle helps to slim down the look of my leg.

The last pair of skinny jeans on my perfect fit jeans list are a classic: Levi 501. They now not only come in a skinny cut, but they have stretch as well. Oh, joy!

Straight Leg

For the last decade, my favorite style of straight leg jeans has been the AG Stilt. I am not exaggerating when I say that these jeans look good on every type of body. From super skinny legs to fuller, rounder curves.

And of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t include a pair of Levis. These Wedge Fit Straight legs are reminiscent of the jeans that I used to wear as a teenager. But with a bit more style. Although they have stretch, I found that I needed to go up a size.

Bootcut & Flare

After my initial love affair with the flared jeans of my youth, I have pretty much stayed away from the cut. Until this summer. I bought these Le Crop Flare jeans by Frame on sale and haven’t taken them off since. I probably wouldn’t like them as much if they went to the ground. But I adore the cropped flare. They’re sassy and sexy. Look great with flats or heels. And wearing them makes me happy. Truly the definition of perfect fit jeans.

My favorite bootcut jeans are by Rag + Bone. Sadly, they are no longer making that style, but these Hana jeans are comparable.  I love the fringe at the bottom. I may not be willing to pay for holes, but fringe is a whole another story….

NOTE ON CLEANING JEANS WITH STRETCH: Do not put them in the dryer. I learned this the hard way. It breaks downs the lycra and your jeans will develop holes. This is a bummer since some of these styles cost a couple hundred bucks. Instead, wash them in cold water and then hang to dry. Iron if needed.